Newburyport, MA – Recent statistics show that the $121 billion bought-sandwich market is expected to grow by thirteen percent(1).
Mr. Chris Solly, VP Licensed Brands at Greencore USA stated, “Research shows us that US sandwich consumption is 4.1 sandwiches per person per week (or 200 per year) and 41% of sandwiches are bought outside of the home(1). Also, the IDDBA’s study ‘Consumers in the Deli: Attitudes, Buying Behavior, & Purchase Drivers,’ stated nearly two-thirds of respondents said they were making a serious effort to cut back on fat, and over half said they were trying to cut back on calories, trans fats, sugar, sodium or carbohydrates. Overlay our own research, and we came to the realization that many consumers would like a Weight Watchers® version of their lunch.”
Mr. Solly continued, “The top three attributes cited in our survey results were fresh ingredients, low fat, and good taste. Customers also want the ability to add (or not add) dressings and sauces. We took the findings to heart and are rolling out eight new Weight Watchers® sandwiches, wraps, and green salads beginning June 18 in the Northeast’s grocery and convenience stores’ grab & go sections.”
The new, fresh and tasty Weight Watchers items include two sandwiches, two wraps and four salads. The turkey, roast beef sandwiches, BBQ chicken, and turkey & cheddar wraps are served on wheat or Lavash bread, containing a mix of fresh salad items, lean meats and cheeses. Some will have a dressing like BBQ sauce or mustard depending on their proteins. Each sandwich has a 6 PointsPlus® value.
The chicken Caesar, chef, southwest chicken, and turkey BLT salads are served in a unique package with crisp greens and a blend of enticing salad toppings like cheeses, salsas, egg, beans, corn, and lean cuts of chicken and turkey. Each salad includes a dressing packet. Each variety has a 6 to 7 PointsPlus® value with dressing, or fewer PointsPlus® values if the dressing is left to the side. Sandwiches have a suggested retail price of $3.99, salads are $4.99.
Mr. Solly continued, “We feel very confident that we are offering consumers something they want. Part of our research was from an Omnibus survey; over 1,000 consumers were questioned regarding two concepts and sixteen product ideas regarding specific recipes, dressings, breads, proteins, ingredients, and pricing.”
Mr. Solly added, “We hope to follow the success of the Weight Watchers Fresh Meals. According to Greencore’s internal sales data, Weight Watchers Fresh Meals have seen 24 months of volume growth versus same month prior year, and sales figures show volumes have doubled in 2011.”
The Weight Watchers Fresh Meals’ packaging features Weight Watchers PointsPlus® values. The new PointsPlus® program goes beyond calories, taking into account the energy contained that make up calories – protein, carbohydrates, fat and fiber – and factoring how hard the body works to process them (conversion cost) as well as their respective eating satisfaction (satiety). Also listed on the packaging are calories, grams of fat, fiber and protein.
WEIGHT WATCHERS on foods and beverages is the registered trademark of WW Foods, LLC. WEIGHT WATCHERS for services and PointsPlus are the registered trademarks of Weight Watchers International, Inc. Trademarks are used under license by GREENCORE USA. ©2011 Weight Watchers International, Inc. All rights reserved.
About Weight Watchers International, Inc.
Weight Watchers International, Inc. is the world’s leading provider of weight management services, operating globally through a network of Company-owned and franchise operations. Weight Watchers holds over 45,000 weekly meetings where members receive group support and learn about healthy eating patterns, behavior modification and physical activity. WeightWatchers.com provides innovative, subscription weight management products over the Internet and is the leading Internet-based weight management provider in the world. In addition, Weight Watchers offers a wide range of products, publications and programs for those interested in weight loss and weight control.
About Greencore USA
Greencore USA is the American arm of Greencore Group PLC, a leading international manufacturer of convenience foods. Established in 1991 in Ireland, Greencore Group PLC manufactures fresh prepared meals, soups, salads and quiches, as well as desserts and cakes. In addition, Greencore Group PLC is the world's leading supplier of fresh prepared sandwiches, producing over 4,000,000 a week. Greencore USA, based in Massachusetts, currently produces a range of fresh prepared meals under the Weight Watchers brand. Additional information is available at www.greencore.ie.
(1) Statistic sources: Packaged Facts 2010 and IDDBA. The bought-sandwich market figure of $121 Billion includes ‘burger joint’ sandwiches.
Descriptions of Weight Watchers Sandwiches, Wraps & Green Salads
Turkey BLT Salad: Crisp romaine lettuce with all natural turkey, bacon, grape tomatoes, cucumber, red onion and cheddar cheese. Served with a Lite Italian dressing. PointsPlus® value: 3 + 0
Chef Salad: Crisp romaine lettuce with lowsodium ham and turkey, egg, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion and cheddar cheese. Served with a Lite Italian vinaigrette. PointsPlus® value: 3 + 1
Southwest Chicken Salad: Crisp lettuce blend with fresh chicken, salsa, black beans and corn, and cheddar cheese. Served with a reduced calorie Ranch dressing. PointsPlus® value: 4 + 2
Chicken Caesar Salad: Crisp romaine lettuce with fresh chicken, seasoned croutons and parmesan cheese flakes. Served with a Lite Caesar dressing. PointsPlus® value: 5 + 1
Turkey Sandwich: Allnatural turkey with lettuce and bell peppers, with a diet mayo &Dijon blend, on whole wheat bread. PointsPlus® value: 6
Roast Beef Sandwich: Lowsodium roast beef with lettuce and bell peppers, with a diet mayo & Dijon blend, on whole wheat bread. PointsPlus® value: 6
Turkey & Cheddar Wrap: Allnatural turkey with lettuce and bell peppers, with a diet mayo &Dijon blend and cheddar cheese, wrapped in a Lavash bread. PointsPlus® value: 6
Chicken in BBQ Sauce Wrap: Fresh chicken rolled in BBQ sauce, with lettuce, carrots and bell peppers, wrapped in a Lavash bread. PointsPlus® value: 6
Source: Weight Watchers International, Inc.